Kellogg Community College invites the public to an afternoon of music and poetry as part of the college’s fourth annual Schubertiade.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in the auditorium of KCC’s Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek.
Loosely based on the traditional Schubertiade – during which fans of Austrian composer Franz Schubert would gather to celebrate his music and read poetry – the KCC event will include musical performances and poetry readings by students, faculty and community members, as well as refreshments.
Dr. Gerald Blanchard, director of the Vocal Arts area at KCC, said the concert will give attendees a new level of appreciation for the classical arts of music and poetry while celebrating the relationship between text and music.
“This is not music of the dead, but is truly something that is equally dynamic and beautiful,” Blanchard said. “The repertoire is varied in its scope. Yes, there are many Schubert compositions, but we also have some Gershwin and Samuel Barber represented on the program. Both composers are among the list of America’s greatest.”
Blanchard said the traditional Schubertiade program calls for a less formal environment, where guests were encouraged to perform poetic works or sing one of the many songs composed by Schubert or one of his “liked” contemporaries. KCC’s Schubertiade will reflect that less formal format.
“It is more reflective of a small gathering of musicians with additional guests sharing in the experience, rather than a formal recital presentation,” Blanchard said. “Although the audience is not asked to join us in song, they are encouraged to move about freely and eat at will without feeling they are breaking format.”
KCC faculty members scheduled to perform during the event include Kathy Cary (piano), Sara Cleland (piano), Mary Faggan (soprano), Paul Freeburn (guitar), Laura Hirleman (clarinet), Dr. Elizabeth Kerlikowske (poet), Paula Krontz-Harris (piano), Betty Picard (soprano) and Dr. Mark Wells (tenor).
Student and guest performers/readers will include Al Barney (piano), Jan Emery (soprano), Anastasia Miller (soprano), Brian Noell, Bob Psalmonds and Tiffany Thatcher.
“It’s a great opportunity for my writing students to read in public, share their work and also read classic literature aloud,” Kerlikowske said of the event. “Audience members can expect to come away with a new appreciation for classical music and the dedication it takes to play well and read well.”
For more information about Arts and Communication events and instruction at KCC, visit www.kellogg.edu/artscomm.
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